Limpopo Club Coach

SmartStart; Thabazimbi; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A national network of NGOs is seeking an Implementation Coach and Mentor to promote early learning in Thabazimbi, South Africa. The role involves mentoring SmartStarters and ensuring program sustainability through community engagement and training initiatives. Candidates should possess tertiary education in Early Childhood or related fields, have at least a year in coaching or management roles, and be proficient in multiple languages. This is a vital role in advocating for and establishing quality early learning environments.

Qualifications

• At least a year’s experience in coaching, mentoring, or management.
• Three years of experience in ECD or a closely related sphere.
• Proficiency in languages: English, Venda, Tsonga, Sepedi.

Responsibilities

• Engage local communities and create stakeholder awareness.
• Recruit SmartStarters and match them effectively.
• Provide start-up training and licensing support.
• Ensure program quality assurance and facilitate growth.
• Develop understanding of quality early learning initiatives.

Skills

Community Engagement

Effective Communication

Organizational Skills

Conflict Resolution

Strategic Thinking

Education

Tertiary level education in Early Childhood or similar

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Thabazimbi, South Africa | Posted on 11/11/2025

SmartStart is a successful national network of NGOs and partners that is realising quality, affordable early learning for all children aged three to five. We are achieving this by scaling a network of and building a platform for providers, achieving specific ecosystem transformations with governments and partners, and promoting early learning as a priority societal cause.

Job Description

Purpose

• SmartStart is seeking passionate, self-motivated, and driven individuals to take on the vital role of Implementation Coach and Mentor. The successful candidates will serve as advocates for early learning, working closely with Smart Starters (SmartStart’s early learning practitioners) to support them in starting, managing, and sustaining impactful and viable early learning programmes. Through mentorship and hands-on coaching, Implementation Coaches will play a key role in ensuring these programmes not only provide quality early education but also develop into sustainable, purpose-driven enterprises.

Responsibilities

• Community Activation, Stakeholder engagement and Awareness Creation
• SmartStart Recruitment and matching
• Start-up training
• Licensing and Smart Spacing Set-Up
• Programme Quality Assurance and Registration Support
• Programme growth and expansion
• Build and encourage the SmartStart clubs (networks of SmartStarters)
• Drive and create understanding of and demand for quality early learning and importantly to coach and develop SmartStarters to gain new skills and capacities

Requirements

KeySpecifications

• Requirements
• Educated to tertiary level preferable (Early Childhood, Community Development diploma/ degree or similar).
• At least a year’s experience in coaching /mentoring/facilitation role and/or a management/coordinating role.
• Three years’ experience of ECD or a closely related sphere.
• Community Engagement and Relationship Building - The ability to connect with local communities, build trust, and foster positive relationships with community members
• Effective Stakeholder Communication and Advocacy - Strong communication skills to engage stakeholders—such as parents, local leaders, NGOs, and government departments and advocate for early learning initiatives.
• Recruitment and Talent Matching - The ability to identify, assess, and recruit individuals with the right mindset and potential to become SmartStarters.
• Operational and Logistical Coordination - strong planning and coordination skills to support SmartStarters in setting up licensed Smart Spaces and accessing necessary materials and resources
• Strategic Thinking and Growth Orientation - Ability to think long-term, plan for scale, and identify opportunities for program expansion.
• Conflict Resolution - the ability to manage conflict and adjust to different community dynamics and individual needs while keeping program goals in focus.
• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues at all levels of the SmartStart network and beyond, and to work as part of a cohesive and supportive team, including the ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds.

Abilities, Skills, and Attributes

• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Excellent management skills
• Excellent Computer Skills - Proficiency in MS Office – including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook – and in internet search and use
• Proficiency in English, Venda and Tsonga (Vhembe), Sepedi (Sekhukhune and Waterberg)